Former SODELPA national youth council president Koroi Cakacaka Tikoilomaloma says he can no longer be part of a party that holds the country to ransom.
Handing in his resignation following the party’s management board meeting last Friday, Mr Tikoilomaloma said he was saddened by how the party’s reputation was being dragged into disrepute for the benefit of a few.
“It is really sad how they have taken control of the whole management board,” said Mr Tikoilomaloma.
He claimed the board’s decision to elect MP Aseri Radrodro as new party leader was not supported by every member.
“To my understanding, during that board meeting there was no actual vote,” Mr Tikoilomaloma said.
“It was just a loud ‘yes’ of people shouting and those that did not say yes could not be taken into account.
“The loud roar was taken as unanimous.
“I don’t remember saying yes to the resolution of the party (to elect Mr Radrodro).”
Mr Tikoilomaloma said before handing in his resignation, he made a last-ditch attempt to the board members to seek clarification from Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka if he intended to step down.
“I asked for clarification on whether Mr Gavoka had shown any intention of resigning, and they gave the reason that they had given the resolution for him to relinquish his position as party leader according to the party constitution.
“Then when I asked what is the whole reason for us to expedite the process of electing another party leader when we could have brought him in and ask him if he was willing to be party leader because as far as I am concerned, he is doing a good job.”
A lawyer by profession, Mr Tikoilomaloma said a change in leadership meant the party was unstable.
“It would also threaten the lifeline of the Coalition Government.
“They did not take my recommendations into consideration, which is why I tendered my resignation.
“The outcome was already put in such a way to favour a particular group within the management board.”
Sodelpa general secretary Viliame Takayawa said two youth leaders had been singled out to take up the position left vacant by Mr Tikoilomaloma.
